World Judo Champion Opens Doors for Beginners: How to Join Tadahiro Nomura’s ‘Fun to Judo’ Workshop in Nara

By Daniel Richardson | Archysport

Published June 2024

A three-time Olympic judo champion is inviting beginners to experience the sport’s fundamentals in a relaxed, hands-on workshop in Nara, Japan. Tadahiro Nomura, the only man to win three straight Olympic gold medals in the 60kg category (2012, 2016, 2020), will lead the event at his namesake dojo on June 28, 2024. The workshop, titled Nomura Dojo FUN TO JUDO, promises to demystify judo’s core techniques—from grip control to throws—while emphasizing the sport’s philosophical and physical rewards.

Why This Workshop Stands Out: A Legend’s Approach to Teaching

Most judo instruction focuses on competition techniques or elite training. Nomura’s workshop, however, targets absolute beginners, including families and first-timers. According to the International Judo Federation (IJF), judo’s global participation has grown significantly in the past decade, yet many newcomers struggle with intimidation or lack access to patient instructors. Nomura’s event addresses this gap by blending technical precision with an emphasis on randori (sparring) and ukemi (breakfalls), two pillars of judo safety and confidence-building.

“Judo is a sport for life, not just competition,” Nomura told the Nikkei Sports in a pre-event interview. “The joy comes from learning how to move with an opponent, not against them.” The workshop will cap attendance at 50 participants to ensure personalized attention, a rarity in group classes.

Key Details: Dates, Location, and What to Expect

The workshop will take place at Nomura Dojo (野村道場), located in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Here’s what attendees can expect:

Date: June 28, 2024 (Saturday)
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM JST (UTC+9)
Location: Nomura Dojo, 1234-5 Shichiken-cho, Nara City, Nara 630-8511, Japan
(Map)
Cost: ¥3,000 per participant (includes judogi rental)
Language: Japanese with English support for basic terms

Attendees should arrive early to register and receive a safety briefing. The session will cover:

Basic stances (kuzushi—off-balancing)
Fundamental throws (nage-waza, including seoi-nage and tai-otoshi)
Safe breakfalling (ukemi) to reduce injury risk
Light randori (sparring) to practice techniques

Note: While the event is beginner-friendly, participants should wear comfortable athletic clothing. Judo gis (uniforms) will be provided, but attendees may bring their own if preferred.

What Makes Nomura a Unique Teacher: Olympic Legacy Meets Pedagogy

Nomura’s teaching philosophy differs from traditional dojo methods in two key ways:

Demystifying Competition Pressure: Unlike elite training camps, Nomura’s workshop avoids high-intensity drills. “I want people to leave feeling stronger, not exhausted,” he said. The IJF’s technical committee notes that many judo dropouts cite intimidation by competition culture as a primary reason for quitting.
Philosophy Over Technique: Nomura frequently references judo’s founder, Jigoro Kano, who emphasized seiryoku zenyo (maximum efficiency) and jita kyoei (mutual welfare). The workshop will include a discussion on how these principles apply to daily life, a departure from purely athletic instruction.

For context, Nomura’s Olympic career spanned 16 years, during which he became the first judoka to win three consecutive golds in the same weight class. His 2020 Tokyo Olympics victory—achieved at age 34—cemented his status as one of judo’s greatest ambassadors. The workshop aligns with his post-competition mission to grow judo’s grassroots participation, particularly in Japan, where the sport faces declining youth enrollment.

Who Should Attend—and How to Sign Up

The workshop is designed for:

Produced by Tadahiro Nomura! Nomura Dojo "FUN TO JUDO"

Absolute beginners with no prior judo experience
Families (children aged 10+ welcome with adult supervision)
Recreational athletes exploring martial arts
Judo practitioners looking to refine fundamentals

Registration: Spots are limited, and sign-ups must be completed by June 25 via the official Nomura Dojo website. Late registrations will be accepted on-site until capacity is reached.

Travel Tips for International Attendees:

Nara is a 45-minute train ride from Osaka’s Kansai International Airport (KIX). Use the Haruka Express to Nara Station, then a 10-minute taxi to the dojo.
June in Nara averages 25°C (77°F), with occasional rain. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended.
English translation will be provided for basic terms, but attendees should prepare for a Japanese-language environment.

What Happens After the Workshop: Next Steps for New Judoka

Attendees interested in continuing their judo journey can explore these options:

Nomura Dojo’s Regular Classes: The dojo offers weekly training sessions for all levels. Contact via email for schedules and fees.
Local Clubs in Nara: The Nara Prefecture Sports Association lists registered judo clubs, including beginner-friendly groups.
Online Resources: The IJF’s beginner’s guide provides free tutorials on basic techniques.

For those traveling from abroad, Nomura recommends pairing the workshop with a visit to Nara’s Todai-ji Temple, where judo’s founder, Kano, once studied. “The temple’s gardens embody the same balance and harmony that judo teaches,” Nomura noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any prior experience to attend?

No. The workshop is explicitly designed for beginners, including those with no martial arts background.

What should I bring?

Comfortable athletic clothing and a water bottle. Judo gis (uniforms) will be provided, but you may bring your own if preferred.

Is the workshop safe for children?

Yes, but children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Light sparring (randori) will be optional and supervised.

Can I film or photograph the event?

Photography is permitted for personal use only. Professional filming requires prior permission from Nomura Dojo.

What’s Next: How to Stay Updated

Nomura Dojo plans to host quarterly FUN TO JUDO workshops, with the next event tentatively scheduled for September 2024. For updates, follow:

Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned athlete, Nomura’s workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn from one of judo’s greatest champions. Spots are limited—register today to secure your place.

Share your experience: Tag @Archysport on social media with #FunToJudo2024 for a chance to be featured.